STORY BY ANNA GLEASON
One could easily make three stops in Des Moines in order to find a great drink, a great movie and great dessert – or you could just stop at the Fleur Cinema and Café.
Located on Fleur Avenue, the Fleur Cinema Café is Des Moines’ premier location for top-rated independent, foreign Hollywood cinema.
“We’re the only multi-screen independent movie theater in the metro that specializes in the kind of high-quality movies that may not always make waves at the box office but pull in well-deserved critical acclaim and awards,” said Kramer McLuckie, the co-general manager of the Fleur Cinema.
Alongside a unique selection of showings, the café offers a unique menu of items as well as traditional theater options like popcorn, soda and candy.
Beverages range from a full coffee bar, draft beers (including two local taps from Confluence and Exile), Italian sodas and wine.
Snack items double as gourmet desserts with a selection of cakes, muffins, cheesecakes and house-made rice krispy treats. Additionally, gluten-free and vegan options are available.
The atmosphere of Fleur can be described as aesthetically idiosyncratic; vibrant movie-stills line the walls and multi-colored furniture is spread about the lobby.
“Basically, we’re the place to enjoy the best movies in a fun and hip atmosphere,” McLuckie said.
Many factors contribute to the cinema’s popular critique as the best theater in Des Moines.
The Fleur hosts locally-made films and Iowa-based film festivals, including the Des Moines Film Fest during the summer. The auditoriums are equipped with top-notch digital projection, 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound and RealD 3-D projection. Seating is specially configured to ensure an abundance of legroom.
“The Fleur is easily the best, and comfiest place to see a movie,” said first-year Emma Muth. “Aside from being able to stretch my legs out, I get the chance to see movies that aren’t playing anywhere else—movies that are actually good.”
For those who are interested, the Fleur offers membership into the Fleur Film Society, their free customer appreciation program. Every purchase you make will add up to reward you with select free concession items.
Additionally, membership includes entrance into free drawings and giveaways, exclusive promotions and a subscription to their weekly newsletter.
Currently showing at the Fleur are “Pawn Sacrifice,” “Phoenix,” “Black Mass” and “Grandma.”
General admission is $9.00, and senior citizens and children under 12 can purchase tickets for a reduced price of $7.00. Matinées are also $7.00.
“The experience of seeing a film at the Fleur Cinema and Café is unparalleled,” Muth said. “It truly has it all and is deserving of being named a Des Moines hidden gem.”